Melbourne - Toyota have decided against appealing the 25- second penalty imposed on driver Jarno Trulli after the Italian was deemed to have overtaken under safety car conditions during Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Trulli slid off the track in the safety car phase which forced Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren-Mercedes to pass him. Trulli then moved ahead of the world champion again, but the stewards deemed this move illegal under safety car conditions.

The decision moved Hamilton up to third while Trulli was demoted to 12th.

Toyota subsequently announced their intention to file an appeal within the proscribed time period but have decided not to pursue the matter as there is little or no chance that FIA will overturn the ruling when its appeal board hears the case on April 14 in Paris.

"Based on this Toyota Motorsport has decided that it would serve no benefit to pursue this course of action," said the team in a statement Wednesday.

The 2009 Formula One season continues this weekend with Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang. (dpa)